The Voice Of Savyasachi

My Little Heaven

I pulled the bowstring, keeping my gaze fixed.

My heart was beating faster in excitement. It was for the first time father had asked me to do it all alone! I could not disappoint his trust on me!

"Archery is a sadhana, Vatsa!" Father used to say often, "it requires you to put as much focus on your target as you would require to put in meditation. You cannot afford to let your concentration get diverted, not even for a moment!"

There it was! I found it. Taking the name of Lord Rama, who had been my idol in archery, I released the arrow. The twang of the bowstring reached my ear as I saw arrow piercing the centre of the target that father had placed on a tree.

I could not believe that I had successfully hit the target, first time without my father holding my hand! The feeling of joy did not get down me until I heard a clap.

I turned round.

"Pita!" My lips curved into smile. "You...you were here, behind me?" I thought he had gone inside home, asking me to shoot.

"I was always there for you, Vatsa!" Father ruffled my hair, smiling wide, "And I will be there behind you, even when you won't see me!"

I bent down to touch his feet. He lifted me tenderly and took me in his arms.

"You don't know how much pride I'm feeling for you, Krishna!" His eyes were moist. 'Krishna' was one of my names that father had given to me due to my dark complexion. I did not know why that name always used to strike a chord in my heart. Like something too familiar to have a connection with my past lives, and maybe even with future!

I hugged father tightly, "This success is yours, Pita! You have taught me how to hold a bow!"

He smiled, and kissed my forehead. "Humility is the best protector of valour, child! I'm glad that you already have it in you!"

"Arjuna!"

This loud and cheerful voice could be of only one person! I turned to him with a wide smile, "Bhrata Bhima!"

My second elder brother rushed to me, unable to control his excitement. "Arjuna...my little brother..." He breathed easy as I threw my arms around his neck. I knew he was full with pride and happiness to see me succeed, but could not find words to express the same in excitement.

"You are the best of all, Arjuna!" He finally exclaimed, and patted me. Burying my face on his broad shoulder, I could not help smiling. He was the strongest among us, and yet the simplest. He knew nothing of this world except the ones he loved. For him, we were the world! I was the best Archer of the world for him, just because he loved me!

"You have made all of us proud, Phalguna!"

The voice had all the happiness of his heart, yet a peaceful fragrance of serenity. My eldest brother Yudhishthira had a natural aura of calmness around him that reflected even in his emotions. He loved to call me Phalguna, the name given to me for being born on Phalguni purnima.

Making myself free from Bhrata Bhima's embrace, I bent down to touch his feet. But Jyeshtha Bhrata stopped me in midway and drew me in his embrace. His arms were the place where I felt secure. Like my eternal shelter, the sky above my head.

"Bhrata Arjuna!"

My little twin brothers rushed to me, stretching their arms. Bright smile adorned their faces. Being twins, they looked similar but one could see the difference by a careful observation. Sahadeva, our youngest brother, was wise beyond his years. He was grave enough even in this age, and talked really less. All he loved to do was watching the stars and reading scriptures. While Nakula, the elder one of the twins, was more playful and child-like. He was always cheerful no matter what, and never let the sweet smile on his face vanish. He was a perfect partner in Bhrata Bhima's mischiefs, while Sahadeva preferred to glue with Jyeshtha, for his interest in reading and discussing scriptures.

I took them in my arms lovingly.

"Bhrata, do you know what Maa has cooked today?" Nakula said, casting a fleeting glance on Bhrata Bhima. My strongest brother had a great weakness for food, and we brothers enjoyed teasing him regarding the same.

"What?" Bhrata immediately turned to Nakula, "the lunch is ready?"

"Bhima," Jyeshtha put an arm on his shoulder, "we are yet to complete our morning session of study."

"Jyeshtha please! It's lunch time!" Bhrata pleaded.

Jyeshtha smiled, exchanging a glance with me. I suppressed a chuckle with an effort, and glared at my little brother.

"What, Nakula, could not you keep it within till we finish the study?'

"But Bhrata, all he wanted to inform you that Maa has prepared your favourite dishes today to celebrate your first success." Sahadeva innocently supported his twin.

"Well then," father closed the scripture, "on Arjuna's honour, today you may take an early break from studies." His smiling declaration immediately made us happy.

"Come, let's go!" Father rose, followed by us. As he moved ahead, Bhrata Bhima whispered to Jyeshtha, "Are you still thinking of what we have just learnt?"

Jyeshtha nodded with a smile.

"Do you never feel hungry, Jyeshtha?" Bhrata Bhima asked.

"His hunger gets easily quenched by knowledge, Bhrata," I replied, "as we all know, he loves to study more than all of us!"

"I know, I know!" Bhrata patted me, "but you also know that my hunger cannot be quenched by knowledge! I really need some real food for that! Hence, let's make hurry!"

We all laughed, and proceeded towards home.

***

When we reached home, the sun God was already in the mid-sky. Mothers were busy in preparing the meal. Nakula and Sahadeva ran to them and sat on Maa Kunti's lap. Being the youngests, they still had the privilege of getting fed by our mothers in their own hands. On the other hand, Bhrata Bhima would never take even a morsel of food until Jyeshtha fed him by his own hand. No matter how hungry he was, he would always wait for Jyeshtha. I always noticed it and teased Bhrata for braving his hunger. However, Jyeshtha did realize my unspoken wish and he would feed me as well, along with Bhrata Bhima. Finally, making two of us content with his loving care, he himself would have his meal after everyone. This had been the common thing for us now.

"Maharaj, a message has come for you!"

The voice of a stranger broke the flow of our blissful moments. I looked at the door. Someone was bowing to my father who was already on his feet.

"What's the message, Bhadra?" I noticed signs of worry on father's face.

"Mahamantri has sent this for you." He handed over a scroll to father.

I exchanged a quick glance with Jyeshtha. Worry was there in his eyes too. What did he understand that I did not?

"Jyeshtha?" I whispered, trying to draw his attention. He put a finger on his lips, "Not now, Arjuna!"

I nodded, still wondering what could the message be. I saw father's expressions changing every moment as he read the scroll. I wanted to ask him what happened.

"What's the matter, Swami?" I heard Maa asking him.

"Pritha, you look after the boys for a while. I'm coming soon from Maharishi's ashrama." Father said.

"Have your meal before going, Swami!" Maa insisted.

"No, Pritha!" Father shook his head, "it's already too late. I can't take this risk of making further delay!" He then turned to Jyeshtha. His eyes had been softened a bit while looking at us.

"Take care of your brothers, Putra. I will be back soon." Father said, and hurried out, leaving me in my unanswered questions.

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Author's note: Today, on the birthday of Savyasachi, I'm starting this story of his life. Hope you like this gift, Arjuna! Wishing a very happy birthday to you!